Category Archives: Social
Former national chief remains hopeful before second trip to Vatican
Phil Fontaine is hopeful. A former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Fontaine says he is keeping that feeling close to his heart as he prepares to make a second trip to the Vatican to ask a pope to
‘Exciting opportunity’ for ministers of housing, mental health to join forces: Expert
OTTAWA — There is an "exciting opportunity" for the new housing minister and mental health and addictions minister to work together at the intersection of homelessness and mental health, says an expert. Dr. Mary Bartram, director of policy and substanc...
Four homeless people in Edmonton died in fires in last two months, city says
EDMONTON — The City of Edmonton says there have been four fire-related deaths in the past two months involving homeless people. The city says they may seek shelter in encampments, abandoned buildings or other structures that are unsafe. It says earlie...
Blood Services to soon recommend asking donors about sexual activity, not orientation
OTTAWA — Male blood donors will no longer be asked if they have had sex with another man, but — along with women — will be asked in future if they have had multiple sexual partners and anal sex. Canadian
Manitoba premier says Orange Shirt Day may become a provincial statutory holiday
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is considering whether to make the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — also known as Orange Shirt Day — a provincial statutory holiday. Premier Heather Stefanson says her government will consult with businesse...
Lawyer questions coverage of First Nations water settlement as deal to be ratified
An $8-billion class-action settlement on First Nations drinking water due to be ratified next week still isn't clear on who it will cover, says a lawyer involved with the issue. Clayton Leonard, who represents several Alberta bands that have filed the...
N.S. disabilities group pushes to convert major legal win into improved housing, care
HALIFAX — A disabilities group in Nova Scotia said Wednesday it would push to convert a recent landmark court victory into funding for improvements to housing and to care. During a news conference, the Disabilities Rights Coalition cited the Oct. 6
Feds shortchanging First Nations on operating cash for water systems, PBO says
OTTAWA — The parliamentary budget officer has put a price tag on providing clean drinking water in First Nations, saying in a new report that the federal government still has a shortfall to make up. Yves Giroux’s report on Wednesday said
Supreme Court ruling could change how human rights law is applied in Quebec
MONTREAL — After Marco Ayotte's uncle used a homophobic slur toward him in July 2018 and said he should kill himself, Ayotte didn't just fume about a vulgar, insensitive relative. He filed a complaint with the Quebec's human rights commission. In
Liberals thank Conservatives who championed conversion therapy ban as it passes House
OTTAWA — Canada's House of Commons erupted into a scene of cheers and cross-party hugs Wednesday as MPs unanimously adopted a motion presented by a Conservative MP to fast-track the passage of a Liberal government bill banning conversion therapy for